off-limits

IPA/ˌɒf ˈlɪmɪts/
KK[ˌɔflˈɪmɪts]IPA/ˌɔːf ˈlɪmɪts/

off-limits — adjective

1. describing a place or area that people cannot enter or use because a rule, law,

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describing a place or area that people cannot enter or use because a rule, law, or official order forbids it

例句

The military base is off-limits to anyone without a security pass.

be off-limits to [someone] for access control

During the renovation, the second floor was off-limits to all students and staff.

temporal clause with 'during' + passive context

同義詞
  • out of bounds

    very similar; originates from sports field boundaries but used interchangeably for general restrictions

  • restricted

    broader and can imply limited, not necessarily zero, access; more formal

  • forbidden

    stronger emotional charge; can apply to actions and objects, not just places

反義詞
  • accessible

    describes a place that can be freely entered or reached

  • open

    describes a place where entry is permitted to everyone

文法句型

be off-limits to [someone/something]

用法筆記

Typically appears after a linking verb such as 'be' or 'remain' (e.g. 'The area is off-limits'). Can also follow a noun directly (e.g. 'an off-limits zone'), but the predicative use is more common. Use 'to' to specify who or what is excluded: 'off-limits to visitors'.

常見錯誤

❌This area is off-limit.
✅This area is off-limits.
💡the compound adjective is always hyphenated and ends with 's', even when the noun is singular.
❌He is off-limits because he is busy.
✅The laboratory is off-limits to visitors.
💡off-limits describes places or areas, not people who are unavailable.